Avs keep Downie with two-year deal

Right wing notched 13 points in 20 games last season

DENVER -- The Avalanche crossed another player off its "still unsigned" list Friday by signing Steve Downie to a two-year contract.

The right wing, acquired from Tampa Bay last season for Kyle Quincey, will receive $5.3 million over the two years. He gets $2.55 million in the NHL's 2012-13 season and $2.75 million the next season.

Downie, 25, scored two goals and had 13 points in 20 games for the Avs. He was slowed in the final weeks by a shoulder injury that required surgery soon after the season. He already has made a full recovery, the Avs said.

Their unsigned players include Ryan O'Reilly, Erik Johnson, Jamie McGinn and Mark Olver. General manager Greg Sherman indicated the team could be active Sunday, the start of free agency.

"As always we are looking for ways to improve our roster. To that end, Sunday we will be in discussion with several players' agents," Sherman said. "Lately we have agreed to terms with several of our own players and we will continue to have discussions with our own (restricted free agents)."

The Avs have about $29.5 million of salary cap room under the NHL's cap ceiling of $70.2 million for the 2012-13 season.

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